Comment

The Age Editorials

Welfare reviews must put vulnerable first

Andrew Johnson with his parents, David and Deb Johnson.

While we understand and support the need to ensure public money is wisely spent, the case of Andrew Johnson highlights the need for compassion, sensitivity and simple common sense, in reviewing support for the disabled.

Republican malady goes beyond Trump

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In stubbornly sticking by Donald Trump as he has comprehensively debased democratic and civil norms, the leadership of this once grand old party has comprehensively failed.

Disadvantaged deserve more action on housing

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It's one of our most basic human rights: a safe place to lay your head each night. But for many of our most disadvantaged, affordable housing is increasingly out of reach in both the public and the private markets

Watson must give back his Brownlow

Watson will be given a chance to argue his case.

Handing back the Brownlow is the only way to truly accept the wrong that was done in the supplements saga and start the new season with a clean slate.

Defend the right to free education

Access to education is a fundamental human right.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham is right to question funding for wealthy private schools and Labor's politicking in response has been contemptible.

Banks' testimony shows judicial probe necessary

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The banks – which are among the world's biggest – argue their internationally high profit margins should be celebrated in the community as a sign of the robust health of this cornerstone of our economy and society. That is rubbish. The reality is that the banks' unduly high profit margins reflect the gouging of customers.

World cannot afford luxury animal trade

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Crackdowns, while necessary, only mark a piecemeal approach to the problem. The bigger challenge is to confront a mistaken mindset that would exploit endangered species on the false premise of culture and tradition, or as a symbol of wealth.

Government right to open welfare debate

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Any reform must meet the public policy test of being effective, efficient, transparent and well targeted. The issues surrounding welfare are serious and complex and ought not be reduced to slogans or quick fixes.